As Turlock Irrigation District analyzes the State Water Resources Control Board's water grab proposal aimed at this region, we're learning more about the State Water Board's so-called product. And the more we read, the worse it gets.

"Though the great salmon runs were only in Northern California rivers, steelhead trout were trapped, speared or hooked as they returned to from the sea to spawn . . ." - A passage From David Carle's book, "Water and the California Dream".

Congress has taken a huge step toward bringing our nation's laws in line with modern medicine by passing the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes provisions to accelerate delivery of research and innovative treatments in two critical areas for my constituents and millions more Americans: mental health and rare diseases.

Say what you want about Jerry Brown - and there's a lot to say about his one track mind on high speed rail as well as his Twin Tunnel religion - but the governor has nailed it again when it comes to prudent budgeting.

Given the historic election of Donald Trump, it's easy to miss the true message sent by the electorate. With Republicans winning control of the presidency and Congress, voters signaled a desire for leaders to work together to solve the nation's most difficult domestic policy problems. That requires Republican leadership in Congress that is serious, focused on action not rhetoric, and understands this historical moment. The first step: the re-election of Paul Ryan as Speaker.

It's the $68.4 billion question: Why would an otherwise fiscally conservative governor like Jerry Brown go full speed ahead with a $68.4 billion plan to build a high speed rail system with only $9.95 billion in hand and a lot of studies that point to a more realistic price tag of $100 billion?